Compositions and methods for use in surface decontamination

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides compositions and methods for making a colorized solution of an aqueous disinfectant that is both stable in bulk solution and will fade to clear within a predetermined period of time after being applied to a surface, for example as a spray or film. The compositions and methods described here allow an end user to visualize both the extent of coverage and the duration of contact of the disinfectant with the surface, thereby providing more efficient disinfection of the surface.

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/541,211, filed on Jun. 30, 2017, which is a national stage entry,filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371, of International Application No.PCT/US2017/017509, filed on Feb. 10, 2017, which claims the benefit ofpriority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/294,465, filed onFeb. 12, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to compositions and methods forvisualizing disinfectant agents and monitoring disinfectant efficacy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A recent report published in JAMA Internal Medicine found thatcontamination of skin and clothing occurs during glove and gown removalin 60% of cases (M E Tomas, et al. (2015). Contamination of Health CarePersonnel During Removal of Personal Protective Equipment. JAMA InternMed. 175(12):1904-10.) When using educational intervention and visualfeedback, the study found that the rate of contamination fell to 18.9%.However, providing training on proper personal protective equipmentremoval is not always feasible, especially in resource-limited settingsor during epidemics, and many commonly used disinfectants do not providevisual feedback. Thus, there exists a need for improved methods andtechniques to visually ensure proper disinfection to reduce the rate ofcontamination.

Commercially available products such as Glo Germ™ have demonstrated theimportance of visualizing disinfection. For instance, Glo Germ™ has beenused in the Mount Sinai Health System to ensure that surfaces arecompletely disinfected (The Wall Street Journal. (2015, Nov. 2)).However, Glo Germ™ requires the use of an ultraviolet light forvisualization, which may not be readily available in the field, andrequires a power source. In addition, the need to carry around orinstall an ultraviolet light source can be tedious and infeasible forchecking every disinfected surface in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Further studies have also demonstrated that improving compliance withwaiting sufficient contact time for a disinfectant to inactivate apathogen can reduce the rate of hospital-acquired infections by morethan 80% (R Orenstein, et al. (2011). Infect Control Hosp. Epidemiol.32(11):1137-9.) This strongly suggests that a method for improvingcompliance with contact time is urgently needed to reduce the rate ofinfection in hospitals, as well as for consumers use.

The inclusion of coloring agents in aqueous bleach solutions haspreviously been described. Due to the strong tendency of bleach solutionto oxidize dyes, many have disclosed methods for the incorporation ofcoloring agents that are stable in bleach. U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,476 toNayar teaches a method and composition for the stable suspension ofpigments in aqueous hypochlorite bleach solutions, using a bleach-stablepigment (Ultramarine Blue), an optical brightener, and a surfactant.U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,877 to Grande teaches a liquid colored thickenedbleach composition that includes Ultramarine Blue as a colorant and aviscosifying surfactant that helps provide stable coloration andviscosity upon prolonged periods of storage. U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,677 toFoxlee describes halogenated copper phthalocyanine pigments for formingblue or green aqueous bleaching solutions. These and similar patentssolve the problem of rapid bleaching of dyes by strong oxidants byproviding more color-stable compositions which retain their color evenafter prolonged contact with the oxidant.

Oxidizable dyes have been described in the use of cleaning formulations.U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,625 to Kitko discloses the use of bleach-sensitivedyes in combination with hypochlorite sanitizing agents. Kitko describesa toilet bowl sanitizer in which the oxidizable dye and bleach solutionare dispensed upon flushing such that the subsequent fading of the colorindicates bleaching action. U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,757 to Orlowskidiscloses the inclusion of FD&C Blue 1 pigment as a component of ableach-based teeth-whitening mixture. The decolorization of the dyeallows the patient to monitor the occurrence and completion of teethbleaching activity.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,854 to Ciolino describes the use of acidifyingagents, such as oxalic acid for preventing impurities within the glycolether-based disinfectant from reacting with and decolorizing the dye ata pH range of 2 to 6.5. The aim is to prevent unwanted impurities withina disinfectant from reacting with the dye.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,492 to Casey discloses the combination of a cleaningcomposition with a disappearing pH dye that must be sealed in anairtight container. Operating under a similar method, U.S. Pat.Application 2014/0057987 by Vinson discloses the composition of adisinfectant with a pH indicator dye and an alkaline substance. The pHdye initially expresses color upon spraying but rapidly fades to clearupon exposure to the sprayed surface and the air.

There remains a need for new compositions and methods to ensure thethorough and efficient disinfection of surfaces. The present inventionaddresses this need.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: Line graph representing the effect of changing the concentrationof water-soluble pigment FD&C Blue 1 on color fading reaction rate whena composition is added into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite. Reaction rate isobtained based on absorbance measurements over time.

FIG. 2: Line graph representing the effect of changing the concentrationof surfactant SDS on color fading reaction rate when a composition isadded into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite. Reaction rate is obtained basedon absorbance measurements over time.

FIG. 3: Line graph representing the effect of changing the concentrationof alkaline builder NaOH on color fading reaction rate when acomposition is added into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite. Reaction rate isobtained based on absorbance measurements over time.

FIG. 4: Line graph representing the effect of changing the concentrationof catalyst HTAB on color fading reaction rate when a composition isadded into 0.3% peracetic acid. Reaction rate is obtained based onabsorbance measurements over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for use inthe disinfection and decontamination of surfaces. The compositionsdescribed here are adapted to impart a transient color to a typicaldisinfectant solution such that the disinfectant can be clearlyvisualized when applied to a surface, in order to ensure completecoverage of the surface. The compositions described here are furtheradapted to provide for the fading of the color over a predeterminedperiod of time after application to the surface, in order to provide anindication of how long the disinfectant is in contact with the surface.This allows the user to visualize both the extent of coverage and thetime of coverage, thereby ensuring adequate decontamination ordisinfection of the surface. Typical disinfectant solutions compatiblewith the compositions described here include aqueous solutions of commondisinfecting agents, for example, sodium hypochlorite, calciumhypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, hydrogen peroxide, chlorinedioxide, peracetic acid, quaternary ammonium chloride, and alcohols,such as ethanol. The disclosure also provides methods for modulating andcontrolling the time of color-fading for the oxidizable pigments thatare included in the compositions. The compositions and methods describedhere are suitable for use in both hospital and field settings, as wellas for consumer use.

In embodiments, the disclosure provides a solid composition comprising awater-soluble pigment, a surfactant, and optionally one or more of analkaline builder and a rheology modifier, each present in an amountsuitable to color a bulk aqueous solution of sodium or calciumhypochlorite such that the color is stable in the bulk solution for atleast from 15 minutes to 6 hours, but which color fades to clear withina predetermined time period of from 1 to 20 minutes, preferably from 2to 12 minutes, when the solution is applied as a spray or film to asurface. In embodiments, the color is stable in the bulk solution forfrom about 15 minutes to 6 hours. In embodiments, the bulk aqueoussolution is from 1 to 5 gallons. In embodiments, the bulk aqueoussolution is 0.1-2% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite. Inembodiments, the bulk aqueous solution is 0.2-0.5% sodium hypochloriteor calcium hypochlorite.

In embodiments, the ratio of surfactant to water-soluble pigment in thecomposition is from 0.10:1 to 45:1, preferably from 10:1 to 20:1. Inembodiments, the ratio of alkaline builder to water-soluble pigment inthe composition is from 0.10:1 to 30:1, preferably from 1:1 to 2:1. Inembodiments, the ratio of rheology modifier to water-soluble pigment inthe composition is from 0.10:1 to 20:1, preferably from 0.5:1 to 4:1. Inembodiments, the total amount of water soluble pigment in thecomposition is 1-43% w/w, preferably 1-10% w/w, based on total weight ofthe composition. In embodiments, the total amount of alkaline builder inthe composition, if present, is 1-48% w/w, preferably 3-15% w/w, basedon total weight of the composition. In embodiments, the total amount ofsurfactant in the composition is 25-97% w/w, preferably 50-70% w/w,based on total weight of the composition. In embodiments, the totalamount of rheology modifier in the composition, if present, is 2-65%w/w, preferably 20-30% w/w, based on total weight of the composition.

In embodiments, the water soluble pigment is selected from FD&C Blue 1,Acid Green 50, Acid Green 25, Patent Blue V, FD&C Yellow 6, Fast GreenFCF, Indigo Carmine, Acid Blue 80, Remazol Brilliant Blue R, CoomassieBrilliant Blue, Crystal Violet Lactone, Thymolphthalein, BromothymolBlue, Methylene Blue, FD&C Red 2, and mixtures thereof.

In embodiments, the surfactant is selected from sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS) or sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES),sodium myreth sulfate (SMS), sodium cholate, an acetylenic diol (e.g.,Surfynol™ 104S), alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate (e.g., DOWFAX™ 2A1),sodium toluene sulfonate (STS), and mixtures thereof.

In embodiments, the alkaline builder selected from sodium hydroxide(NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), potassium hydroxide (KOH), lithiumhydroxide (LiOH), and mixtures thereof.

In embodiments, the rheology modifier is selected from sodium alginate,glycerol, guar gum, locust bean, dextran, cellulose, carrageenan(lambda, iota, kappa), sodium carbonate, fumed silica, alkali swellableemulsions, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsions,hydrophobically modified polyurethanes, sodium polyacrylate, andmixtures thereof.

In embodiments, the composition optionally further comprises one or moreof a catalyst and a perfume. In embodiments, the catalyst is a reactiveoxygen species generating catalyst selected from sodium nitrate,potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, and titanium dioxide. In embodiments,the total amount of catalyst in the composition, if present, is 3-40%w/w, preferably 3-10% w/w, based on total weight of the composition. Inembodiments, the ratio of catalyst to water-soluble pigment in thecomposition is from 0.50:1 to 5:1. In embodiments, the perfume isselected from citric acid, benzoic acid, and acetic acid. Inembodiments, the total amount of perfume in the composition, if present,is 2-30% w/w, preferably 2-10% w/w, based on total weight of thecomposition. In embodiments, the ratio of perfume to water-solublepigment in the composition is from 0.25:1 to 20:1, preferably from 0.5:1to 4:1.

In embodiments, the water soluble pigment is selected from FD&C Blue 1,Acid Green 25, Acid Green 50, Patent Blue V, Fast Green FCF, Acid Blue80, and mixtures thereof, the surfactant is selected from SDS, SXS, anacetylenic diol, alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate, and mixtures thereof,the optional alkaline builder is selected from NaOH, Ca(OH)₂, andmixtures thereof, and the optional rheology modifier is lambdacarrageenan. In embodiments, where the composition comprises an alkalinebuilder, the total amount of water soluble pigment in the composition isfrom 2-22% w/w, the total amount of surfactant is from 50-97% w/w, thetotal amount of alkaline builder is from 1.5-35% w/w, and amount ofrheology modifier, if present, is from 10-55% w/w. In embodiments, thepredetermined time period is from 2 to 20 minutes. In embodiments, wherethe composition comprises an alkaline builder and a rheology modifier,the total amount of water soluble pigment in the composition is 2.5-5%w/w, the total amount of surfactant is 50-70% w/w, the total amount ofalkaline builder is 3-10%, and the total amount of rheology modifier is20-35%. In embodiments, the water soluble pigment is Acid Green 50, thesurfactant is a mixture of SDS and SXS, the alkaline builder is NaOH,and the rheology modifier is lambda carrageenan. In embodiments, thepredetermined time period is from 2 to 5 minutes.

In embodiments, where the composition comprises a rheology modifier,wherein the total amount of water soluble pigment in the composition isfrom 1.5-22 w/w, the total amount of surfactant is from 10-80% w/w, thetotal amount of alkaline builder, if present, is from 2-40% w/w, and theamount of rheology modifier is from 1-55% w/w. In embodiments, thecomposition comprises an alkaline builder. In embodiments, the rheologymodifier is selected from lambda carrageenan, sodium alginate, fumedsilica, and mixtures thereof. In embodiments, the amount of rheologymodifier is 10-65% w/w, preferably 20-65% w/w.

In embodiments, the composition comprises an alkaline builder andfurther comprises a catalyst, and the total amount of water solublepigment in the composition is 1-40% w/w, preferably 12-40% w/w, thetotal amount of surfactant is from 20-90% w/w, the total amount ofalkaline builder is 0.5-45% w/w, preferably 15-45% w/w, and amount ofcatalyst, is 2-40% w/w, preferably 15-40% w/w. In embodiments, thepredetermined time period is from 2 to 25 minutes, preferably from 5 to15 minutes. In embodiments, the catalyst is selected from sodiumnitrite, potassium nitrate, titanium dioxide, citric acid, benzoic acid,and acetic acid. In embodiments, the composition comprises 1-D&C Blue 1,SDS, and NaOH.

The disclosure also provides a solid composition comprising at least onewater-soluble pigment, at least one surfactant, an alkaline builder, andoptionally a rheology modifier, each present in an amount suitable tocolor a bulk aqueous solution of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC)such that the color is stable in the bulk solution for at least 4 to 6hours, but which color fades to clear within a predetermined time periodof from 1 to 15 minutes, when the solution is applied as a spray or filmto a surface. In embodiments, the bulk aqueous solution is 0.1-2% NaDCC,preferably 0.5-1% NaDCC. In embodiments, the at least one water-solublepigment is Acid Green 50. In embodiments, the total amount of watersoluble pigment is 1.5-22% w/w, preferably 3-8% w/w, most preferably4-7% w/w. In embodiments, the at least one surfactant is selected fromSDS, SXS, an acetylenic diol, and mixtures thereof. In embodiments, thetotal amount of surfactant is 10-75% w/w, preferably 40-60% w/w. Inembodiments, the alkaline builder is selected from NaOH and Ca(OH)₂, andmixtures thereof. In embodiments, the total amount of alkaline builderis from 2.0-50% w/w, preferably 20-50% w/w. In embodiments, thecomposition comprises a rheology modifier. In embodiments, the rheologymodifier is lambda carrageenan and the total amount of rheology modifieris 10-65 w/w, preferably 10-20% w/w. In embodiments, the ratio ofsurfactant to water-soluble pigment in the composition is from 2:1 to43:1, preferably from 5:1 to 10:1. In embodiments, the ratio of alkalinebuilder to water-soluble pigment in the composition is from 0.1:1 to7:1, preferably from 4:1 to 7:1. In embodiments, the ratio of rheologymodifier to water-soluble pigment in the composition is from 0.7:1 to10:1, preferably from 1:1 to 5:1.

The disclosure also provides a solid composition comprising at least onewater-soluble pigment, at least one surfactant, an alkaline builder, anda catalyst, each present in an amount suitable to color a bulk aqueoussolution of hydrogen peroxide such that the color is stable in the bulksolution for from at least 20 to 40 minutes, but which color fades toclear within a predetermined time period of from 2 to 20 minutes, whenthe solution is applied as a spray or film to a surface. In embodiments,the bulk aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide is 0.5-35%, preferably3-7.5%, most preferably, 7-8% hydrogen peroxide. In embodiments, the atleast one water-soluble pigment is indigo carmine. In embodiments, thetotal amount of water soluble pigment is from 4-40% w/w, preferably6-20% w/w. In embodiments, the at least one surfactant is SDS. Inembodiments, the total amount of surfactant is from 5-75% w/w,preferably 25-55% w/w. In embodiments, the alkaline builder is NaOH. Inembodiments, the total amount of alkaline builder is from 5-30% w/w. Inembodiments, the catalyst is selected from copper (II) sulfatepentahydrate and iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate. In embodiments, thetotal amount of catalyst is from 6-60% w/w, preferably 10-50% w/w. Inembodiments, the composition further comprises a rheology modifier. Inembodiments, the ratio of surfactant to water-soluble pigment in thecomposition is from 2.5:1 to 10:1 for formulas added into 7.5% hydrogenperoxide. In embodiments, the ratio of alkaline builder to water-solublepigment in the composition is from 1:1 to 3:1 for formulas added into7.5% hydrogen peroxide. In embodiments, the ratio of catalyst towater-soluble pigment in the composition is from 1:1 to 8:1 for formulasadded into 7.5% hydrogen peroxide.

The disclosure also provides a solid composition comprising at least onewater-soluble pigment, an alkaline builder, and a catalyst, each presentin an amount suitable to color a bulk aqueous solution of peracetic acidsuch that the color is stable in the bulk solution for from at least 10to 50 minutes, but which color fades to clear within a predeterminedtime period of from 1 to 10 minutes, when the solution is applied as aspray or film to a surface. In embodiments, the bulk aqueous solution ofperacetic acid is 0.1-13%, preferably 0.3-12.5%, most preferably0.3-0.4% peracetic acid. In embodiments, the at least one water-solublepigment is FD&C Blue 1. In embodiments, the total amount of watersoluble pigment is from 20-50% w/w, preferably 25-40% w/w. Inembodiments, the alkaline builder is NaOH. In embodiments, the totalamount of alkaline builder is from 20-50% w/w. In embodiments, thecatalyst is hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB). In embodiments,the total amount of catalyst is from 20-50% w/w. In embodiments, theratio of catalyst to water-soluble pigment in the composition is from0.50:1 to 2:1 for formulas added into 0.3% peracetic acid. Inembodiments, the ratio of alkaline builder to water-soluble pigment inthe composition is from 0.50:1 to 2:1 for formulas added into 0.3%peracetic acid.

The disclosure also provides an aqueous liquid composition comprising atleast one water-soluble pigment and an alkaline builder, each present inan amount suitable to color a bulk aqueous solution of chlorine dioxidesuch that the color is stable in the bulk solution for at least from 2-3hours, but which color fades to clear within a predetermined time periodof from 5-30 minutes, when the solution is applied as a spray or film toa surface. In embodiments, the bulk aqueous solution of chlorine dioxideis 0.2% chlorine dioxide. In embodiments, the at least one water-solublepigment is thymolpthalein. In embodiments, the total amount of watersoluble pigment is from 1-8% w/w. In embodiments, the alkaline builderis NaOH. In embodiments, the total amount of alkaline builder is from1-4% w/w. In embodiments, the ratio of water to water-soluble pigment inthe composition is from 13:1 to 34:1 for formulas added into 0.2%chlorine dioxide. In embodiments, the ratio of alkaline builder towater-soluble pigment in the composition is from 0.25:1 to 2.6:1, forformulas added into 0.2% chlorine dioxide.

The disclosure also provides an aqueous liquid composition comprising atleast one water-soluble pigment, a surfactant, an optional alkalinebuilder, and an optional rheology modifier, each present in an amountsuitable to color a bulk aqueous solution of 0.1-2% sodium hypochloriteor calcium hypochlorite such that the color is stable in the bulksolution for from 10 to 20 minutes, but which color fades to clearwithin a predetermined time period of from 2 to 5 minutes, when thesolution is applied as a spray or film to a surface. In embodiments, theaqueous solution is 0.2-0.5% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite. In embodiments, the at least one water-soluble pigmentFD&C Blue 1. In embodiments, the total amount of water soluble pigmentis from 0.5-2% w/v. In embodiments, the at least one surfactant isselected from SDS, SXS, and mixtures thereof. In embodiments, the totalamount of surfactant is from 0.5-1.5% w/v. In embodiments, the alkalinebuilder is selected from NaOH and LiOH. In embodiments, the total amountof alkaline builder is from 0.5-2% w/v.

In embodiments of the liquid compositions described here, the at leastone rheology modifier is selected from sodium alginate and, lambdacarrageenan, and mixtures thereof. In embodiments, the total amount ofrheology modifier is from 0.1-1% w/v.

In embodiments of the compositions described here, the composition maybe packaged in unit form, each unit being suitable as an additive to abulk aqueous solution of a disinfectant selected from 0.2-0.5% sodium orcalcium hypochlorite, 0.5% sodium dichloroisocyanurate, 7-8% hydrogenperoxide, and 0.3% peracetic acid. In embodiments, the unit form is atablet or capsule. In embodiments, the unit form is a pouch containing adefined quantity of the composition. In embodiments, the pouch iscomprised of a water-soluble plastic material. In embodiments, thewater-soluble plastic material is PVA. In embodiments, the compositionis in the form of a powder, a capsule, or a tablet. In embodiments, thewater soluble pigment is pre-processed before incorporating into thecomposition by being treated with ultraviolet radiation or ozone for aperiod of about 1 minute to about 72 hours. In embodiments, the watersoluble pigment is pre-processed by being dissolved in a solvent at roomtemperature or at the boiling point, and left as a liquid or evaporatedto a powder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for visualizingthe decontamination or disinfection of a surface. The compositionsdescribed here comprise at least one water soluble oxidizable pigment incombination with at least one surfactant or alkaline builder, andmixtures thereof, and optionally, one or more additional ingredientsselected from a rheology modifier, a catalyst, and a perfume. Thecompositions are suitable for addition to a conventional aqueousdisinfectant solution of the user's choice, preferably shortly beforeuse, for example within 1 to 60 minutes before use, or immediatelybefore use. The compositions are adapted to impart a color to the bulksolution in its container that is stable for a period of time fromminutes to hours, and are further adapted to cause the solution to fadein color to clear within a predetermined period of time from seconds tominutes after application to a surface.

Suitable disinfectant solutions for use with the compositions describedhere include aqueous solutions of common oxidant-based disinfectingagents, for example, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodiumdichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide,peracetic acid, benzalkonium chloride, alkyldimethylbenzylammoniumchloride, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenols, and alcohols, such asethanol and isopropyl alcohol. In embodiments, the disinfectant solutionis selected from the group consisting of an aqueous solution of 0.1-2%or 0.2-0.5% sodium or calcium hypochlorite, 0.5% calcium hypochlorite,0.2% calcium hypochlorite, 0.1-2% NaDCC, 0.5-1% NaDCC, 0.5% NaDCC,0.1-13%, 0.3-12.5%, or 0.3-0.4% peracetic acid, 0.3% peracetic acid,0.5-35%, 3-7.5%, or 7-8% hydrogen peroxide, 7.5% hydrogen peroxide,0.20% chlorine dioxide, 70% ethanol, and 0.4% quaternary ammonium.

The point-of-use additive methodology described here represents a uniqueapproach for controlling the rate of color-fading of an oxidizablepigment in an oxidizing solution. For example, oxidizable dyes degraderapidly in the presence of a strong oxidizer such as hypochlorous acid,which is a common component of aqueous disinfectant solutions.Oxidizable dyes are therefore generally not suitable for long-termstorage in a container of hypochlorous acid. But, as demonstrated here,compositions comprising oxidizable dyes can be adapted to both maintaintheir color in solution in a bulk container for a period of time rangingfrom minutes to hours, and also to fade over a predetermined period oftime from seconds to minutes to tens of minutes following application ofthe solution to a surface.

The compositions described here are adapted to provide differentdurations of color, both in solution in the bulk container, and afterapplication to a surface. For example, a disinfectant solutioncomprising a composition described here may fade in color within minutes(e.g. 3, 5 or 10 minutes) after its application to a surface, while atthe same time persisting in solution in a bulk container for at least aperiod of 1 to 2 hours, or more. In embodiments using pH sensitive dyes,including without limitation crystal violet lactone, thymolphthalein,and bromothymol blue, the color of the bulk disinfectant solution in asealed container may be at least 2-6 hours, or at least 6-12 hours, andmay be stable for a period of days or weeks, or longer. This is possiblein part because the color a disinfectant solution comprising acomposition as described herein will fade faster when it is applied to asurface than when it is in solution in a bulk container, due to thehigher surface area of the solution that is exposed to air when it isapplied to a surface, compared to when it is in the bulk container.Thus, a thin layer of the solution applied to a surface has a greatersurface area: volume ratio of exposure to oxygen, carbon dioxide,ultraviolet radiation, light, and heat, compared to the solution in thebulk container, any of which may result in redox reactions, pH changes,and physical changes of state (e.g. evaporation) that serve to fade thecolor of the oxidizable pigment.

In embodiments, the compositions described here are adapted to provide aduration of color of an oxidizable pigment in an aqueous disinfectantsolution for a period of time from about 30 seconds to about 30 minutesafter the colored solution is applied to a surface as a thin mist orfilm. In embodiments, the period of time is selected from 30 seconds to30 minutes, preferably from about 30 seconds to 3 minutes, 30 seconds to5 minutes, 5 minutes to 10 minutes, or 10 minutes to 15 minutes. Inembodiments, the period of time is about 30 seconds or about 1, 2, 3, 5,8, 10, 12, 15, or 30 minutes. In embodiments, the period of time is thetime required to completely cover a surface and disinfect the surface.The actual time of color duration may be adjusted by addition of dyestabilizers or destabilizers to the composition, as described herein.

Techniques for modulating the time that it takes for the disinfectantcolor to fade may also be tailored to the user's needs. For example,color fading can be adjusted such that a user decontaminating a largesurface can avoid spraying areas that have already been treated based onthe presence of color. In another example, a user who is decontaminatingdonned personal protective equipment (PPE) may require faster colorfading such that the PPE can be doffed without the risk of staining thewearer's clothing or skin. In still other cases, an end-user may want totailor the color-fading to correspond to the contact time needed toinactivate a pathogen, such as a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solutionrequiring 3 minutes to kill Clostridium difficile.

In embodiments, the water soluble pigment is pre-treated withultraviolet radiation or ozone for a period between about 1 minute toabout 72 hours before addition to a composition as described herein. Inanother embodiment, the water soluble pigment is pre-treated bydissolution in a suitable solvent (e.g., water, alcohol) at roomtemperature or at the boiling point, and then evaporating the solutionback to a concentrated liquid or powder form. These pre-treatmentprocesses applied to the pigment may be used, for example, to decreasethe time needed for the colorized solution to fade to clear followingits application to a surface. These techniques have the effect ofpartially oxidizing or degrading the pigment, making it more susceptibleto fading once it is in contact with the oxidant of the disinfectantsolution.

The disclosure also provides methods for modulating the colorpersistence of a water-soluble oxidizable pigment in an aqueousoxidizing solution, for example in a bulk container of a disinfectantdescribed above. In this context, an oxidizing solution contains anoxidizing agent. Exemplary oxidizing agents are those found inconventional disinfectant solutions, as discussed above. In embodiments,the methods comprise sequestering particles of the dye in solution inorder to slow their oxidation, for example by including a suitableamount of a surfactant. Without wishing to be bound by theory,surfactant micelles may form an aqueous core that acts to sequester dyeparticles away from the oxidizing agent of the disinfectant solution,thereby protecting the dye from attack by the oxidizing agent anddelaying the eventual degradation of the dye chromophore. Inembodiments, the methods comprise lowering the reactivity of theoxidizing agent against the dye particles in solution, for example, byincluding suitable amounts of an alkaline builder. In embodiments, morethan one surfactant or alkaline builder, or both, may be included in thecomposition.

The presence of an alkaline builder in the composition, either alone orin combination with a surfactant, increases the pH of the solution toslow down the oxidation reaction and thereby slow the decolorization ofthe pigment. In embodiments, the alkaline builder is present insufficient amounts to increase the pH of the solution to a range betweenabout pH 9 to about pH 14. For certain disinfectants, such as sodiumhypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite, the addition of an alkalinebuilder as a dye stabilizer functions by shifting the equilibrium ofactive chemical species towards the less reactive species. For example,sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in aqueous solution contains differentchlorine species that have different reactivities. HOCl predominates atacidic pH and is roughly 1000 times more reactive than the otherspecies, OCl⁻, which predominates at basic pH. By incorporating analkaline builder into a colored disinfectant like sodium or calciumhypochlorite, the ratio of OCl⁻ to HOCl will increase, resulting in lessreactivity towards the dye in solution. Upon application to a surfaceand exposure to air, without wishing to be bound by theory, acidic CO₂in the air will neutralize the alkalinity, allowing the more reactiveHOCl species to dominate and thereby accelerate color fading.

In embodiments, further additives, such as a rheology modifier (alsoknown as a thickening or viscosifying agent), may be included in thecomposition to slow acidification and thus to slow the reactivity of theoxidizing agent upon exposure to air. The rheology modifier may be inpowder or liquid form and upon addition, function to increase theviscosity of the disinfectant solution. Due to increased viscosity,contact of the solution with air and CO₂ is impeded, thus slowing downacidification of the solution. In certain disinfectants, slowing downthe rate of acidification upon exposure to air allows water-soluble dyein the solution to fade at a slower rate. For example, a more viscouscalcium hypochlorite disinfectant containing a dye indicator will fadein color more slowly due to slower generation of HOCl. A higherviscosity also may also impede physical interactions between anoxidizable dye and an oxidizer, thereby also slowing down the rate ofcolor-fading.

In embodiments, a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as acatalyst that generates ROS, may be included in the composition toaccelerate color fading. Certain cationic surfactants can catalyze thegeneration of ROS. One example is hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide(HTAB), which generates hydroxyl radicals in disinfectants likeperacetic acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Other adjuvants, such as perfumes in powdered or liquid form, may alsobe included in the compositions described here. A perfume may act tostabilize or destabilize a water-soluble pigment. The addition of aperfume to disinfectants may neutralize otherwise harmful odors indisinfectants such as sodium and calcium hypochlorite, which have beenreported to irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs of healthcare workers inthe field and patients in hospitals. Without wishing to be bound bytheory, certain water-soluble perfumes may dissociate into ions insolution to electrochemically repel similarly charged particles, such asanionic surfactants and OCl⁻, hindering the interaction betweenoxidizing agents and water soluble dyes. On an atomic level, theaddition of perfumes may also act as an impurity to sterically impedethe reaction between oxidizing agents and the dye chromophore. Stillanother embodiment is the ability of some perfumes to modify the pH ofthe solution, such as about 0.01% to about 10% citric acid, which actsboth to add a citrus scent to the disinfectant and lower the pH to speedup the color-fading reaction of disinfectants like sodium and calciumhypochlorite.

Generally, the water-soluble pigment for use in the compositions andmethods described here may be selected from FD&C Blue 1, Fast Green FCF,erythrosine, 40 FD&C Red 40, FD&C Red 2, FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 6,Indigo carmine, ultramarine, cobalt blue, phthalocyanine, and CoomassieBrilliant Blue, Acid Green 25, Bromothymol Blue, Acid Green 50, AcidBlue 80, Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Crystal Violet Lactone, Patent BlueV, and thymolphthalein.

Generally, the surfactant for use in the compositions and methodsdescribed here may be selected from sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium 3,4-dichlorobenzoate, sodium laurethsulfate (SLES), acetylenic diols, sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), andsodium toluene sulfonate (STS). In embodiments where the composition isa solid form, such as a tablet or powder, the surfactant is also a solidform, such as SDS or SXS. In embodiments where the composition is aconcentrated liquid, a liquid-based surfactant may be used, such assodium laureth sulfate (SLES) or DOWFAX 2A1.

Generally, the alkaline builder for use in the compositions and methodsdescribed here may be selected from sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide,calcium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide. In embodiments, the alkalinebuilder is sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide.

Generally, the rheology modifier for use in the compositions and methodsdescribed here may be selected from sodium alginate, glycerol, guar gum,locust bean, dextran, cellulose, carrageenan (lambda, iota, kappa),fumed silica, alkali swellable emulsions, hydrophobically modifiedalkali swellable emulsions, hydrophobically modified polyurethanes, andsodium polyacrylate. In embodiments, the rheology modifier is sodiumalginate or lambda carrageenan.

Generally, the catalyst for use in the compositions and methodsdescribed here is a ROS generating catalyst selected from sodiumnitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, hexadecyltrimethylammoniumbromide (HTAB), copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate, and iron (III) nitratenonahydrate.

Generally, the perfume for use in the compositions and methods describedhere may be selected from citric acid, anise oil, pinene, bay leaf oil,benzoic acid, acetic acid, camphor oil, florex, geranium oil, grapefruitoil, juniper lactone, lemon oil, myristic acid, orange oil terpenes,sandalwood, and vanillin.

In general, a composition described here comprises a water solublepigment and a surfactant or an alkaline builder, or both, and optionallyfurther comprising one or more additional excipients selected from arheology modifier, a catalyst, and a perfume. In embodiments, thecompositions may contain two or more different pigments, surfactants, oralkaline builders.

The compositions described here may be in solid or liquid form. Solidforms may be, for example, in the form of a powder or tablet whichreadily dissolves in aqueous solution, typically within seconds, orwithin less than 60 seconds or less than 30 seconds. Liquid forms arepreferably in the form of a concentration solution. The compositions mayalso be provided in a water-soluble packaging, such as polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) plastic wrapping. In certain embodiments, a composition describedhere may be impregnated onto a solid form, such as a fabric or mesh, andprovided for example as a pre-packaged wipe which is dipped into anaqueous disinfectant solution and then applied to a surface. In certainembodiments, the additive can be part of a dispenser for wipes or handsanitizers to be added at point of use; or directly mixed into the wipesor hand sanitizers.

In general, the workable ranges of the oxidizable pigment, surfactant,alkaline builder, and other optional excipients will vary depending onboth the strength of the oxidizing solution and the desired period oftime for color persistence in the bulk solution of disinfectant in itscontainer as well as the desired period of time to fade after thesolution is applied to a surface, both of which can be “tuned” oradapted. Illustrative embodiments of how the compositions described herecan be adapted for different disinfecting agents to provide differenttimes of color persistence in the bulk solution and different times tofade after application to a surface are described in the embodimentsbelow, and in the Examples. In general, for the same disinfecting agentof a different strength, the same compositions as described below may beused, but more or less of the composition will be added to thedisinfecting solution, depending on whether it is more or less dilutethan the illustrative embodiments provided here. For example, a solidcomposition as described here may generally be added to an aqueoussolution of 0.5% sodium or calcium hypochlorite in an amount of from 0.5to 5% w/v. This amount can be adjusted up or down for more concentratedor more dilute solutions of the disinfectant. Since the compositionsdescribed here are adapted to impart a bright color to the disinfectantsolution, it is possible for the user to visualize how much of thecomposition to add to disinfectants of differing strengths, for exampleby comparison to a color panel provided on a product package. Similarly,for a 0.5% NaDCC solution, a composition described here may be added inan amount of from 1 to 5% w/v; for a 0.3% peracetic acid solution, theamount is in the range of 0.3 to 1% w/v; for a 0.20% chlorine dioxidesolution, the amount is in the range of 3 to 15% w/v; and for a 7.5%hydrogen peroxide solution, the amount is in the range of from 1 to 4.5%w/v.

Hypochlorite Formulations

In embodiments, the disclosure provides a solid composition for use inan aqueous solution of sodium or calcium hypochlorite, preferably asolution of from 0.1 to 2% or from 0.2 to 0.5% sodium or calciumhypochlorite, or a solution of 0.5% sodium or calcium hypochlorite.These compositions are adapted to provide color stability in the bulksolution for from 15 minutes to 6 hours, and fade to clear times of from1 to 20 minutes, or from 2 to 12 minutes, after the solution is appliedas a spray or film to a surface. In embodiments using pH sensitive dyes,including without limitation Crystal Violet Lactone, Thymolphthalein,and Bromothymol Blue, the color stability in the bulk disinfectantsolution is at least 2-6 hours, or at least 6-12 hours, and may be for aperiod of days or weeks, or longer provided the container sealed andsubstantially impermeable to air.

In embodiments, the solid composition comprises a water-soluble pigment,a surfactant, and optionally one or more of an alkaline builder and arheology modifier. Generally, the ratio of surfactant to water-solublepigment in the composition is from 0.1:1 to 45:1, preferably from 10:1to 20:1; the ratio of alkaline builder to water-soluble pigment is from0.1:1 to 30:1, preferably from 1:1 to 2:1; and the ratio of rheologymodifier to water-soluble pigment is from 0.1:1 to 20:1, preferably from0.5:1 to 4:1. The total amount of water soluble pigment in thecomposition may be from 1-43% w/w, preferably 1-10% w/w, based on totalweight of the composition. The total amount of alkaline builder in thecomposition, if present, may be from 1-48% w/w, preferably 3-15% w/w.The total amount of surfactant in the composition may be from 25-97%w/w, preferably 50-70% w/w. The total amount of rheology modifier in thecomposition, if present, may be from 2-65% w/w, preferably 20-30% w/w.

In embodiments, the water soluble pigment for use in a solution ofsodium or calcium hypochlorite is selected from the water solublepigment is selected from FD&C Blue 1, Acid Green 25, Acid Green 50,Patent Blue V, FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 6, Fast Green FCF, IndigoCarmine, Acid Blue 80, Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Coomassie BrilliantBlue, Crystal Violet Lactone, Thymolphthalein, Bromothymol Blue,Methylene Blue, FD&C Red 2, and mixtures thereof.

In embodiments, the surfactant is selected from sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS) or sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES),sodium myreth sulfate (SMS), sodium cholate, an acetylenic diol (e.g.,Surfynol™ 104S), alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate (e.g., DOWFAX™ 2A1),sodium toluene sulfonate (STS), and mixtures thereof.

In embodiments, the alkaline builder may be selected from sodiumhydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), potassium hydroxide(KOH), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and mixtures thereof.

In embodiments, the rheology modifier may be selected from sodiumalginate, glycerol, guar gum, dextran, cellulose, carrageenan (lambda,iota, kappa), sodium carbonate, fumed silica, alkali swellableemulsions, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsions,hydrophobically modified polyurethanes, sodium polyacrylate, andmixtures thereof.

In embodiments, the solid composition further comprises one or more of acatalyst and a perfume. In embodiments, the catalyst is a reactiveoxygen species generating catalyst selected from sodium nitrate,potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, and titanium dioxide. In embodiments,the total amount of catalyst in the composition, if present, is 3-40%w/w, preferably 3-10% w/w, based on total weight of the composition. Inembodiments, the ratio of catalyst to water-soluble pigment in thecomposition is from 0.5:1 to 5:1. In embodiments, the perfume may beselected from citric acid, benzoic acid, and acetic acid. Inembodiments, the total amount of perfume in the composition, if present,is 2-30% w/w, preferably 2-10% w/w, based on total weight of thecomposition. In embodiments, the ratio of perfume to water-solublepigment in the composition is from 0.25:1 to 20:1, preferably from 0.5:1to 4:1.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.39% Acid Green 50, 21.93% SDS, 43.86% SXS, 7.89% NaOH, and 21.93%lambda carrageenan. This composition provides a colorized solution of0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stablefor about 360 minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades withinabout 3 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)3.02% Acid Green, 1.81% SDS, 60.42% SXS, 4.53% NaOH, and 30.21% w/wlambda carrageenan. This composition provides a colorized solution of0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stablefor about 360 minutes. When applied to a surface the color fades withinabout 3 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.08% Patent Blue V, 81.63% SDS, and 14.29% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 130 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 18 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.55% w/w FD&C Blue 1, 90.91% w/w SDS, and 4.55% w/w Ca(OH)₂. Thiscomposition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochloriteor calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 180 minutes. Whenapplied to a surface, the color fades within about 6 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)5.88% FD&C Blue 1, 88.24% SXS, and 5.88% NaOH. This composition providesa colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 35 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 6 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)5.13% FD&C Blue 1, 89.74% STS, and 5.13% NaOH. This composition providesa colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 13 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 5 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.88% FD&C Blue 1, 90.24% SLES, and 4.88% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 20 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 4 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)28.26% FD&C Yellow 5, 67.39% SDS, and 4.35% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 25 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 80 seconds.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)8.70% Fast Green FCF, 86.96% SDS, and 4.35% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 45 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 5 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)42.62% Indigo Carmine, 49.18% SDS, and 8.20% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 2 minutes. When applied to asurface, the color fades within about 25 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.44% Acid Blue 80, 80.00% SDS, and 15.56% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 180 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 7 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)13.33% Remazol Brilliant Blue R, 77.78% SDS, and 8.89% NaOH. Thiscomposition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochloriteor calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 290 minutes. Whenapplied to a surface, the color fades within about 9 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)5.94% Acid Green 25, 89.11% SDS, and 4.95% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 300 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 11 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)6.15% Crystal Violet Lactone, 90.00% SDS, and 3.85% NaOH. Thiscomposition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochloriteor calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 6 hours. Whenapplied to a surface, the color fades within about 1 minute.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.76% Thymolphthalein, 47.62% SDS, and 47.62% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 6 hours. When applied to asurface, the color fades within about 3 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)11.30% Bromothymol Blue, 69.35% SDS, and 19.35% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 6 hours. When applied to asurface, the color fades within about 30 seconds.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.35% FD&C Blue 1, 89.96% SDS, and 5.70% KOH. This composition providesa colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 45 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 10 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)5.00% FD&C Blue 1, 75.00% SDS, 5.00% NaOH, and 15.00% Sodium alginate.This composition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodiumhypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 30minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about 5minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)5.36% FD&C Blue 1, 78.90% SDS, 5.26% NaOH, and 10.50% LambdaCarrageenan. This composition provides a colorized solution of 0.525%sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stable forabout 45 minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades withinabout 25 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentage are w/w)14.93% FD&1 Blue 1, 67.16% SDS, 14.93% NaOH, and 2.99% fumed silica.This composition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodiumhypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 30minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about 11minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)2.70% FD&C Blue 1, 40.50% SDS, 6.80% NaOH, 2.70% Sodium alginate, 6.80%Lambda carrageenan, and 40.50 w/w Fumed Silica. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 30 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 12 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)2.82% FD&C Blue 1, 66.10% SDS, 16.95% NaOH, and 14.12% SodiumPolyacrylate. This composition provides a colorized solution of 0.525%sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stable forabout 3 hours. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about17 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)5.80% FD&C Blue 1, 43.48% SDS, 21.74% NaOH, and 28.99% PotassiumNitrate. This composition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodiumhypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 40minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about 10minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)7.41% FD&C Blue 1, 74.07% SDS, 11.11% NaOH, and 7.41% Sodium Nitrite.This composition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodiumhypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 50minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about 15minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)7.95% FD&C Blue 1, 74.10% SDS, 5.13% NaOH, and 12.82% Citric Acid. Thiscomposition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochloriteor calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 30 minutes. Whenapplied to a surface, the color fades within about 6 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.11% FD&C Blue 1, 13.70% SDS, 41.10% SXS, 13.70% Sodium alginate, and41.10% Sodium carbonate. This composition provides a colorized solutionof 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is colorstable for about 27 minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fadeswithin about 15 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.76% FD&C Blue 1, 57.82% SDS, 34.01% NaOH, and 3.41% Titanium Dioxide.This composition provides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodiumhypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite that is color stable for about 30minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about 4minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)27.27% Methylene Blue, 63.64% SDS, and 9.09% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 160 minutes. When applied toa surface, the color fades within about 13 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)19.08% FD&C Red 2, 76.34% SDS, and 4.58% NaOH. This composition providesa colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 2 minutes. When applied to asurface, the color fades within about 1 minute.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises 1.50% FD&C Blue 1, 0.75%SXS, 0.35% lambda carrageenan, and 97.40% water. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite that is color stable for about 240 min. When applied to asurface, the color fades within 4 minutes.

In embodiments, the disclosure provides a liquid composition for use inan aqueous solution of sodium or calcium hypochlorite, preferably asolution of from 0.1 to 2% or from 0.2 to 0.5% sodium or calciumhypochlorite, or a solution of 0.5% sodium or calcium hypochlorite.These compositions are adapted to provide color stability in the bulksolution for from 10 to 20 minutes, and fade to clear times of from 2 to5 minutes, after the solution is applied as a spray or film to asurface. In embodiments, the at least one water-soluble pigment is FD&CBlue 1. In embodiments, the total amount of water soluble pigment isfrom 0.5-2% w/v. In embodiments, the at least one surfactant is selectedfrom SDS, SXS, and mixtures thereof. The total amount of surfactant isfrom 0.5-1.5% w/v. In embodiments, the alkaline builder is selected fromNaOH and LiOH. In embodiments, the total amount of alkaline builder isfrom 0.5-2% w/v.

In embodiments, the disclosure provides a liquid composition for use ina pre-moistened wipe impregnated with sodium hypochlorite solution,preferably a solution from 0.1 to 2% or from 0.2% to 0.65% sodiumhypochlorite, or 0.55% or 0.65% sodium hypochlorite. These compositionsare adapted to provide color stability on the wipe for from 5 to 10minutes, and fade to clear times of from 1 to 5 minutes after beingapplied as a film to a surface. In embodiments, the at least onewater-soluble pigment is FD&C Blue 1. In embodiments, the total amountof water soluble pigment is from 0.5-2.5% w/v. In embodiments, the atleast one surfactant is selected from SDS, SXS, and mixtures thereof.The total amount of surfactant is from 0.25-1.5% w/v. In embodiments,the alkaline builder is selected from NaOH and LiOH. In embodiments, thetotal amount of alkaline builder is from 0-2% w/v. In embodiments, therheology modifier is selected from sodium alginate and lambdacarrageenan. In embodiments, the total amount of rheology modifier isfrom 0-1% w/v.

Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) Formulations

In embodiments, the disclosure provides a solid composition for use in abulk aqueous solution of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC). Generally,the composition comprises at least one water-soluble pigment, at leastone surfactant, an alkaline builder, and optionally a rheology modifier,each present in an amount suitable to provide color stability in thebulk solution for 4 to 6 hours, and to provide a color that fades toclear within a predetermined time period of from 1 to 15 minutes, whenthe solution is applied as a spray or film to a surface. The bulkaqueous solution may be 0.1 to 2% NaDCC, or 0.5 to 1% NaDCC. Inembodiments, the water soluble pigment is Acid Green 50. In embodiments,the total amount of water soluble pigment is 1.5-22% w/w, preferably3-8% w/w, most preferably 4-7% w/w. In embodiments, the at least onesurfactant is selected from SDS, SXS, an acetylenic diol, and mixturesthereof. In embodiments, the total amount of surfactant is 10-75% w/w,preferably 40-60% w/w. In embodiments, the alkaline builder is selectedfrom NaOH and Ca(OH)₂, and mixtures thereof. In embodiments, the totalamount of alkaline builder is from 2.0-50% w/w, preferably 20-50% w/w.In embodiments, the composition comprises a rheology modifier. Inembodiments, the rheology modifier is lambda carrageenan and the totalamount of rheology modifier is 10-65 w/w, preferably 10-20% w/w. Inembodiments, the ratio of surfactant to water-soluble pigment in thecomposition is from 2:1 to 43:1, preferably from 5:1 to 10:1. Inembodiments, the ratio of alkaline builder to water-soluble pigment inthe composition is from 0.1:1 to 7:1, preferably from 4:1 to 7:1. Inembodiments, the ratio of rheology modifier to water-soluble pigment inthe composition is from 0.7:1 to 10:1, preferably from 1:1 to 5:1.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)4.00% Acid Green 50, 16.00% SDS, 6.00% Surfynol™ 104S, 32.00% SXS,24.00% NaOH, 4.00% Ca(OH)₂, 14.00% Lambda Carrageenan. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.5% NaDCC that is color stable forabout 6 hours. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about 5minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)Acid 6.67% Green 50, 13.33% SDS, 33.33% NaOH, and 46.67% Guar Gum. Thiscomposition provides a colorized solution of 0.5% NaDCC that is colorstable for about 4 hours. When applied to a surface, the color fadeswithin about 7 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)Acid 6.67% Green 50, 13.33% SDS, 26.67% NaOH, and 33.33% Locust Bean.This composition provides a colorized solution of 0.5% NaDCC that iscolor stable for about 4 hours. When applied to a surface, the colorfades within about 10 minutes.

Peracetic Acid Formulations

In embodiments, the disclosure provides a solid composition for use in abulk aqueous solution of peracetic acid. Generally, the compositioncomprises at least one water-soluble pigment, an alkaline builder, and acatalyst, each present in an amount suitable to color a bulk aqueoussolution of peracetic acid such that the color is stable in the bulksolution for from 10 to 50 minutes, but which color fades to clearwithin a predetermined time period of from 1 to 10 minutes, when thesolution is applied as a spray or film to a surface. In embodiments, thebulk aqueous solution of peracetic acid is 0.1-13%, preferably0.3-12.5%, most preferably 0.3-0.4% peracetic acid. In embodiments, theat least one water-soluble pigment is FD&C Blue 1. In embodiments, thetotal amount of water soluble pigment is from 20-50% w/w, preferably25-40% w/w. In embodiments, the alkaline builder is NaOH. Inembodiments, the total amount of alkaline builder is from 20-50% w/w. Inembodiments, the catalyst is hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB).In embodiments, the total amount of catalyst is from 20-50% w/w. Inembodiments, the ratio of catalyst to water-soluble pigment in thecomposition is from 0.50:1 to 2:1 for formulas added into 0.3% peraceticacid. In embodiments, the ratio of alkaline builder to water-solublepigment in the composition is from 0.50:1 to 2:1 for formulas added into0.3% peracetic acid.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)40% FD&C Blue 1, 20% HTAB, and 40% NaOH. This composition provides acolorized solution of 0.3% peracetic acid that is color stable for about50 minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about 10minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)33.33% FD&C Blue 1, 33.33% HTAB, and 33.33% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.3% peracetic acid that is colorstable for about 30 minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fadeswithin about 5 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)25% FD&C Blue 1, 50% HTAB, and 25% NaOH. This composition provides acolorized solution of 0.3% peracetic acid that is color stable for about10 minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fades within about 2minutes.

Chlorine Dioxide Liquid Formulations

In embodiments, the disclosure provides an aqueous liquid compositionfor use in a bulk aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide. Generally, thecomposition comprises at least one water-soluble pigment and an alkalinebuilder, each present in an amount suitable to color a bulk aqueoussolution of chlorine dioxide such that the color is stable in the bulksolution for from 2-3 hours, but which color fades to clear within apredetermined time period of from 5-30 minutes, when the solution isapplied as a spray or film to a surface. In embodiments, the bulkaqueous solution of chlorine dioxide is 0.2% chlorine dioxide. Inembodiments, the at least one water-soluble pigment is thymolpthalein.In embodiments, the total amount of water soluble pigment is from 1-8%w/w. the alkaline builder is NaOH. In embodiments, the total amount ofalkaline builder is from 1-4% w/w. In embodiments, the ratio of water towater-soluble pigment in the composition is from 13:1 to 34:1 forformulas added into 0.2% chlorine dioxide. In embodiments, the ratio ofalkaline builder to water-soluble pigment in the composition is from0.25:1 to 2.6:1, for formulas added into 0.2% chlorine dioxide.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)3.74% Thymolpthalein, 93.46% water, and 2.8% NaOH. This compositionprovides a colorized solution of 0.2% chlorine dioxide that is colorstable for about 120 minutes. When applied to a surface, the color fadeswithin about 15 minutes.

Hydrogen Peroxide Formulations

In embodiments, the disclosure provides a solid composition for use in abulk aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. Generally, the compositioncomprises at least one water-soluble pigment, at least one surfactant,an alkaline builder, and a catalyst, each present in an amount suitableto color a bulk aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide such that thecolor is stable in the bulk solution for from 20 to 40 minutes, butwhich color fades to clear within a predetermined time period of from 2to 20 minutes, when the solution is applied as a spray or film to asurface. In embodiments, the bulk aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxideis 0.5-35%, 3-7.5%, or 7-8% hydrogen peroxide. In embodiments, the atleast one water-soluble pigment is indigo carmine. In embodiments, thetotal amount of water soluble pigment is from 4-40% w/w, preferably6-20% w/w. In embodiments, the at least one surfactant is SDS. Inembodiments, the total amount of surfactant is from 5-75% w/w,preferably 25-55% w/w. In embodiments, the alkaline builder is NaOH. Inembodiments, the total amount of alkaline builder is from 5-30% w/w. Inembodiments, the catalyst is selected from copper (II) sulfatepentahydrate and iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate. In embodiments, thetotal amount of catalyst is from 6-60% w/w, preferably 10-50% w/w. Inembodiments, the composition further comprises a rheology modifier. Inembodiments, the ratio of surfactant to water-soluble pigment in thecomposition is from 2.5:1 to 10:1 for formulas added into 7.5% hydrogenperoxide. In embodiments, the ratio of alkaline builder to water-solublepigment in the composition is from 1:1 to 3:1 for formulas added into7.5% hydrogen peroxide. In embodiments, the ratio of catalyst towater-soluble pigment in the composition is from 1:1 to 8:1 for formulasadded into 7.5% hydrogen peroxide.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)11.43% Indigo Carmine, 57.14% SDS, 17.14% NaOH, and 14.29% Copper (II)sulfate pentahydrate. This composition provides a colorized solution of7.5% hydrogen peroxide that is color stable for about 25 minutes. Whenapplied to a surface, the color fades within about 5 minutes.

In an embodiment, the composition comprises (all percentages are w/w)6.9% Indigo Carmine, 34.48% SDS, 6.9% NaOH, and 51.72% Iron (III)nitrate nonahydrate. This composition provides a colorized solution of7.5% hydrogen peroxide that is color stable for about 20 minutes. Whenapplied to a surface, the color fades within about 3 minutes.

Alcohol Formulations

In embodiments, the composition is a solid material, such as a drypowder or tablet, suitable for use as an indicator in an aqueousdisinfectant solution of an alcohol, such as ethanol. In embodiments,the solution is an aqueous disinfectant solution of 70% ethanol. Inembodiments, the composition comprises a water soluble pigment and analkaline builder, the water soluble pigment being present in an amountof from 30-50 w/w and the alkaline builder being present in an amount offrom 30-50 w/w, based on the total weight of the composition. Inembodiments, the water soluble pigment is thymolpthalein and thealkaline builder is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), each present in an amountof from 30-50% w/w.

Quaternary Ammonium Formulations

In embodiments, the composition is a solid material, such as a drypowder or tablet, suitable for use as an indicator in an aqueousdisinfectant solution of a quaternary ammonium compound. In embodiments,the solution is an aqueous disinfectant solution of 0.4% quaternaryammonium. In embodiments, the composition comprises a water solublepigment and an alkaline builder, the water soluble pigment being presentin an amount of from 30-50% w/w and the alkaline builder being presentin an amount of from 30-50 w/w, based on the total weight of thecomposition. In embodiments, the water soluble pigment is thymolpthaleinand the alkaline builder is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), each present in anamount of from 30-50% w/w.

TABLE 1 Some general formulas based on the examples. Abbreviations aresodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), sodiumhydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). % Wt./Wt DisinfectantAlkaline Rheology solution Pigment Surfactant Builder Modifier CatalystPerfume Examples 0.525% FD&C SDS NaOH Sodium — — 20 sodium Blue 1(80.0-85.0) (7.0-8.0) alginate hypochlorite (4.0-5.0) (20.0-25.0) 0.525%Acid Green 50 SDS NaOH Lambda sodium (3.0-5.0) (20.0-25.0) (7.0-8.0)carrageenan hypochlorite SXS (20.0-25.0) (40.0-45.0) 0.525% Acid Green50 SDS NaOH Lambda — — calcium (3.0-5.0) (0.0-2.0) (4.0-5.0) carrageenanhypochlorite SXS (30.0-35.0) (58.0-65.0)  0.2% Acid Green 50 SDS NaOHLambda — — calcium (3.0-5.0) (22.0-27.0) (3.0-4.0) carrageenanhypochlorite SXS (15.0-22.0) (45.0-50.0) 0.525% Acid Green 50 SDS NaOHLambda — — sodium (4.0-5.0) (15.0-18.0) (20.0-28.0) carrageenandichloroiso- SXS Ca(OH)₂ (10.0-18.0) cyanurate (30.0-35.0) (3.0-6.0)Surfynol 104S (5.0-8.0)  0.30% FD&C Blue 1 — NaOH HTAB — 4 peracetic(20.0-30.0) (20.0-30.0) (33.0-50.0) acid  0.20% Thymolpthalein — NaOHEthanol — 36 chlorine (15.0-20.0)  (6.0-10.0) (70.0-80.0) dioxide  7.5%Indigo carmine SDS NaOH Copper (II) — 34 hydrogen  (7.0-10.0)(40.0-50.0)  (7.0-10.0) sulfate peroxide pentahydrate (40.0-45.0) —Methods for Disinfecting a Surface

In embodiments, the disclosure also provides methods for disinfecting asurface by applying a coating of an aqueous solution comprising anoxidizing agent and a composition described herein to the surface andwaiting for a period of time until the color of the solution has fadedto clear, thereby disinfecting the surface.

In embodiments, the oxidizing agent is selected from the groupconsisting of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, sodiumdichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide,peracetic acid, benzalkonium chloride, alkyldimethylbenzylammoniumchloride, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenols, and alcohols, such asethanol and isopropyl alcohol.

In embodiments, the surface may be porous or nonporous surface. Inembodiments, the surface may be concrete, steel, wood, ceramic,polypropylene, plastics, glass, metals, granite, etc. In embodiments,the surface may be a fabric.

In embodiments, the period of time is selected from 30 seconds to 30minutes, preferably from about 30 seconds to 3 minutes, 30 seconds to 5minutes, 5 minutes to 10 minutes, or 10 minutes to 15 minutes. Inembodiments, the period of time is about 30 seconds or about 1, 2, 3, 5,8, 10, 12, 15, or 30 minutes.

In embodiments, the composition is present in the aqueous solution in anamount of 0.5-5% w/v in 0.5% sodium or calcium hypochlorite, 1-5% w/v in0.5% sodium dichloroisocyanurate, 0.3-1% w/v in 0.30% peracetic acid,3-15% w/v in 0.2% chlorine dioxide, and 1-4.5% w/v in 7.5% hydrogenperoxide.

In embodiments, the coating is applied to the surface as a spray ormist.

In embodiments, the coating is applied in a manner suitable to achieve alayer of the solution on the surface that is about 1-3 millimeters (mm)thick.

In embodiments, the coating is applied in a manner suitable to achieve alayer of the solution on the surface that is about 3-6 millimeters (mm)thick.

The compositions and methods described here provide numerous advantagesover prior compositions and methods for disinfecting surfaces. Thecompositions described here are adapted to provide different durationsof color, both in solution in the bulk container, and after applicationto a surface. This feature provides a substantial advantage over typicalcolored disinfectant solutions. For example, an end-user may require a 3minute color-fading time to indicate inactivation of a certain pathogen,but it would be a waste if an entire container of additive-enhanceddisinfectant also faded in color after 3 minutes, limiting thecolor-fading application to a single use with a small volume.

In addition, the point of use methodology is another advantageousfeature of the present compositions. For example, mixing an indicatorcomposition as described here with a disinfectant solution immediatelybefore use eliminates the need to maintain the color of the solution ina bulk container for extended periods of time, such as days, weeks, oreven months or years, as is the case with color indicators added to thesolution in a bulk container at the point of manufacture. In addition,formulating the compositions as a point of use additive allows the enduser to enhance any conventional disinfectant without requiring thepurchase of either a new disinfectant, or new equipment or supplies, asis the case with some other specialized disinfectants (e.g., e-misters).The compositions described here also dissolve rapidly in aqueoussolutions (i.e., in less than about 30 seconds), making the process ofpreparing the disinfectant solution at the point of use simple andintuitive, such that it requires virtually no training. This means thatthe compositions and methods described here can readily be incorporatedinto current decontamination protocols.

In addition, the compositions described here are easy to transport andstore, compared to bulk solutions, and they offer substantial costsavings compared to other colored disinfectant solutions. It isestimated that the cost per gallon of disinfectant solution treated withthe compositions described here is from one tenth to one fiftieth thecost of a typical bulk colored solution. The powder form of thecompositions described here is particularly advantageous for itsportability. It is lightweight for transportation and reduces cost ofdeployment, especially in remote or low-resource areas. The powder formalso has high stability, with a shelf life of at least 6 to 12 months,and extended to several years if stored in a sealed container away fromlight and heat.

Depending on the application at hand, other percentages of thesecomponents and other combinations of surfactants, alkaline builders,rheology modifiers, water-soluble dyes, ROS-generating catalysts and/orperfumes may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.Other disinfectant types and solutions may be used as well. The methodof usage includes sprays and wipes, but other application forms may beused without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Of particular importance for real-world application, the composition ofthe point-of-use additive may be selected from the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) Inert List, or such that the additive-enhanceddisinfectant is not a significant irritant relative to the disinfectantalone, and such that the additive does not reduce the antimicrobialefficacy of the disinfectant.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrateembodiments of the invention disclosed herein. It will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examplesthat follow represent approaches that have been found to function wellin the practice of the invention and thus can be considered toconstitute examples of modes for its practice. However, those of skillin the art will, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate thatmany changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are disclosedand still obtain a like or similar result without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

Example 1

Powdered compositions were made consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Compo- Compo- Compo- Compo- Ingredient sition A sition Bsition C sition D FD&C Blue 1 1.18 2.33 4.55 8.70 Surfactant (SDS) 94.1293.02 90.91 86.96 Alkaline builder 4.71 4.65 4.55 4.35 (NaOH)

The procedure was to blend the ingredients and stir into 0.525% sodiumhypochlorite diluted in water. 200 μl of the resulting mixtures waspipetted in quadruplets into separate wells of a 24-well plate. Aspectrophotometer was used to measure absorbance (620 nm) 1, 2, 3, 5, 8,12, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after the mixture was prepared. Reactionrates were averaged across the quadruplet wells and plotted againsttime.

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite diluted inwater, the resulting mixtures are light to deep blue solutions.Compositions A, B, C, and D fade in 2, 5, 10, and 18 minutes whenapplied to a surface, respectively. All compositions are stable in colorfor 45 minutes when left in solution.

The purpose of this example is to show that the reaction rate of colorfading is well modulated by adjusting the concentration of FD&C Blue 1in the formula (FIG. 1).

Example 2

Powdered compositions were made consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Compo- Compo- Compo- Compo- Ingredient sition A sition Bsition C sition D FD&C Blue 1 8.33 4.55 2.38 1.61 Surfactant (SDS) 83.3390.91 95.24 96.77 Alkaline builder 8.33 4.55 2.38 1.61 (NaOH)

The procedure was to blend the ingredients and stir into 0.525% sodiumhypochlorite diluted in water. 200 μl of the resulting mixtures waspipetted in quadruplets into separate wells of a 24-well plate. Aspectrophotometer was used to measure absorbance (620 nm) 1, 2, 3, 5, 8,12, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after the mixture was prepared. Reactionrates were averaged across the quadruplet wells and plotted againsttime.

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite diluted inwater, the resulting mixtures are deep blue solutions. Compositions A,B, C, and D fade in 8, 10, 12, and 15 minutes when applied to a surface,respectively. Compositions A and B are stable in color for 45 minuteswhen left in solution. Compositions C and D are stable in color for 70minutes when left in solution.

The purpose of this example is to show that the reaction rate of colorfading is well modulated by adjusting the concentration of sodiumdodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the formula (FIG. 2). In addition, this exampleshows that a precise 20:1 ratio of surfactant to dye is sufficient toachieve color persistence, with larger ratios having less effect onslowing the reaction.

Example 3

Powdered compositions were made consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 14.76 4.65 4.55 3.85 3.23 Surfactant (SDS) 95.24 93.02 90.91 76.92 64.52Alkaline builder 0.00 2.33 4.55 19.23 32.26 (NaOH)

The procedure was to blend the ingredients and stir into 0.525% sodiumhypochlorite diluted in water. 200 μl of the resulting mixtures waspipetted in quadruplets into separate wells of a 24-well plate. Aspectrophotometer was used to measure absorbance (620 nm) 1, 2, 3, 5, 8,12, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after the mixture was prepared. Reactionrates were averaged across the quadruplet wells and plotted againsttime.

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite diluted inwater, the resulting mixtures are deep blue solutions. Compositions A,B, C, D, and E fade in 2, 4, 10, 12, and 15 minutes when applied to asurface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E are stable incolor for 12, 20, 45, 60, and 70 minutes when left in solution,respectively.

The purpose of this example is to show that the reaction rate of colorfading is well modulated by adjusting the concentration of sodiumhydroxide (NaOH) in the formula (FIG. 3). In addition, this exampleshows that a precise 1:1 ratio of NaOH to dye is sufficient to achievecolor persistence, with larger ratios having less effect on slowing thereaction.

Example 4

Powdered compositions were made consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Compo- Compo- Compo- Ingredient sition A sition B sition CFD&C Blue 1 40.00 33.33 25.00 Catalyst (HTAB) 20.00 33.33 50.00 Alkalinebuilder 40.00 33.33 25.00 (NaOH)

The procedure was to blend the ingredients and stir into 0.30% peraceticacid diluted in water. 200 μl of the resulting mixtures was pipetted inquadruplets into separate wells of a 24-well plate. A spectrophotometerwas used to measure absorbance (620 nm) 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 15, 20, and30 minutes after the mixture was prepared. Reaction rates were averagedacross the quadruplet wells and plotted against time.

When these formulas are mixed into 0.30% peracetic acid diluted inwater, the resulting mixtures are deep blue solutions. Compositions A,B, and C fade in 10, 5, and 2 minutes when applied to a surface,respectively. Compositions A, B and C are stable in color for 50, 30,and 10 minutes when left in solution, respectively.

The purpose of this example is to show that the reaction rate of colorfading is well modulated by adjusting the concentration ofhexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) in the formula (FIG. 4). HTABfunctions as a catalyst within peracetic acid, and increasing itsconcentration increases the rate of the color fading reaction. Oneskilled in the art can appreciate that other catalysts may be usedwithout deviating from the scope of the invention.

Example 5

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E Patent BlueV 4.08 10.22 3.68 5.88 7.72 Surfactant (SDS) 81.63 73.3 92.11 85.5688.80 Alkaline builder 14.29 16.48 4.21 8.56 3.47 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 18, 30, 15, 20, and 25minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 130, 180, 140, 140, and 160 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively.

Example 6

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 14.55 7.84 13.33 5.93 8.83 Surfactant (SDS) 90.91 86.27 75.56 90.91 88.34Alkaline builder 4.55 5.88 11.11 3.16 2.83 (Ca(OH)₂)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are bright bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 6, 10, 18, 7, and 14minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 180, 150, 150, 180, and 160 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively.

Example 7

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 12.33 5.13 10.85 5.03 3.97 Surfactant (SXS) 88.37 91.88 85.27 90.45 92.59Alkaline builder 9.30 2.99 3.88 4.52 3.44 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 10, 12, 12, 2, and 4minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 45, 50, 45, 20, and 25 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 8

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 119.35 10.81 7.50 15.90 8.42 Surfactant (STS) 64.52 81.08 87.50 81.2787.54 Alkaline builder 16.13 8.11 5.00 2.83 4.04 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 14, 8, 6, 12, and 6minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 17, 12, 9, 1, and 9 minutes when leftin solution, respectively.

Example 9

A liquid composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 12.55 3.68 3.61 13.51 12.50 Surfactant (SLES) 94.39 91.91 82.33 83.0156.25 Alkaline builder 3.06 4.41 14.06 3.47 31.25 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 2, 4, 4, 27, and 25minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 10, 20, 20, 40, and 40 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 10

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Yellow5 23.26 28.26 11.76 5.45 8.47 Surfactant (SDS) 69.77 67.39 78.43 83.6484.75 Alkaline builder 6.98 4.35 9.80 10.91 6.78 (NaOH)

The purpose of this example is to show that the compatibility of othercolors of water-soluble and oxidizable dyes in the formula.

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are yellowsolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 60, 80, 10, 1, and 6seconds when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 23, 25, 16, 5, and 10 minutes when leftin solution, respectively.

Example 11

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E Fast GreenFCF 8.70 2.91 6.05 21.93 4.19 Surfactant (SDS) 86.96 91.02 90.73 72.3790.70 Alkaline builder 4.35 6.07 3.23 5.70 5.12 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are greensolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 5, 1, 3, 17 and 4minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 45, 25, 37, 60, and 40 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 12

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E IndigoCarmine 27.12 33.90 42.62 41.67 33.33 Surfactant (SDS) 67.80 59.32 49.1855.56 58.67 Alkaline builder 5.08 6.78 8.20 2.78 8.00 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or andcalcium hypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are greysolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 80, 100, 150, 150, and120 seconds when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B,C, D, and E are stable in color for 15, 15, 25, 20, and 17 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 13

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E Acid Blue80 4.44 5.66 6.00 3.05 10.00 Surfactant (SDS) 80.00 85.34 70.00 90.9582.50 Alkaline builder 15.56 9.00 24.00 6.00 7.50 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 7, 9, 12, 9, and 9minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 180, 250, 480, 390 and 430 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 14

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E RemazolBrilliant Blue R 8.57 13.33 19.64 29.00 10.50 Surfactant (SDS) 85.7077.78 71.43 50.67 69.00 Alkaline builder (NaOH) 5.73 8.89 8.93 20.3321.50

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 6, 9, 14, 12, and 13minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 120, 290, 430, 350, and 400 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively.

Example 15

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E Acid Green25 2.11 4.00 11.11 5.94 13.60 Surfactant (SDS) 89.89 88.00 83.33 89.1175.40 Alkaline builder 9.00 8.00 5.56 4.95 11.00 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 5, 6, 10, 11, and 15minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 75, 110, 275, 300, and 340 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 16

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E CrystalViolet Lactone 31.25 9.30 4.17 12.47 6.15 Surfactant (SDS) 62.50 89.0072.92 79.53 90.00 Alkaline builder 6.25 1.70 22.92 10.00 3.85 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 2, 1, 0.5, 3, and 1minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are all stable in color for at least 6 hours when left insolution.

Example 17

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D EThymolphthalein 4.76 17.28 30.91 28.58 34.88 Surfactant (SDS) 47.6236.36 27.27 35.71 34.88 Alkaline builder 47.62 46.36 41.82 35.71 30.24(NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep violetsolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 3, 6, 12, 10, and 15minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are all stable in color for at least 6 hours when left insolution.

Example 18

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E BromothymolBlue 11.30 3.00 7.09 5.30 10.84 Surfactant (SDS) 69.35 86.45 70.92 81.7078.32 Alkaline builder 19.35 10.55 21.99 13.00 10.84 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 0.5, 2, 1, 2, and 1minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are all stable in color for at least 6 hours when left insolution.

Example 19

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 16.38 9.43 21.15 4.35 22.08 Surfactant (SDS) 85.11 81.13 57.69 89.9658.44 Alkaline builder 8.51 9.43 21.15 5.70 19.48 (KOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 13, 20, 28, 10, and 27minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 50, 60, 70, 45, and 70 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 20

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FDC&C Blue1 5.00 2.63 11.19 17.24 5.35 Surfactant (SDS) 75.00 65.79 57.84 25.8664.24 Alkaline builder 5.00 5.26 2.99 17.24 10.71 (NaOH) Sodium alginate15.00 26.32 27.99 39.66 19.70

The purpose of this example is to show that the addition of a rheologymodifier like sodium alginate both thickens the solution and improvescolor persistence by slowing the color fading reaction. One skilled inthe art can appreciate that other rheology modifiers may be used withoutdeviating from the scope of the invention.

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 5, 3, 12, 15, and 4minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 30, 25, 35, 37, and 28 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 21

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 15.36 3.57 5.45 6.85 6.19 Surfactant (SDS) 78.90 62.50 54.55 34.25 36.08Alkaline builder 5.26 7.14 3.64 4.11 6.19 (NaOH) Lambda Carrageenan10.50 26.79 36.36 54.79 51.55

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 25, 15, 20, 28, and 27minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 45, 35, 40, 35, and 40 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 22

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E Acid Green50 6.67 1.69 8.68 21.47 6.02 Surfactant (SDS) 13.33 72.88 55.47 60.2119.28 Alkaline builder 33.33 8.47 13.21 2.62 14.46 (NaOH) Guar Gum 46.6716.95 22.64 15.71 60.24

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium dichloroisocyanuratediluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep blue solutions.Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 7, 1, 10, 25, and 6 minutes whenapplied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E arestable in color for 240, 100, 250, 280, and 200 minutes when left insolution, respectively.

Example 23

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E Acid Green50 6.67 7.14 4.41 6.17 6.19 Surfactant (SDS) 33.33 62.50 44.12 40.7436.08 Alkaline builder 26.67 7.14 7.35 3.70 6.19 (NaOH) Locust Bean33.33 23.21 44.12 49.38 51.55

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium dichloroisocyanuratediluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep blue solutions.Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 10, 12, 5, 10, and 11 minuteswhen applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C, D, and Eare stable in color for 250, 300, 200, 180, and 170 minutes when left insolution, respectively.

Example 24

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 12.70 2.50 6.67 9.02 8.92 Surfactant (SDS) 40.50 43.75 47.22 47.59 44.05Sodium alginate 2.70 10.25 4.73 10.00 3.81 Lambda carrageenan 6.80 12.255.27 10.01 6.18 Alkaline builder 6.80 6.25 5.56 7.59 13.51 (NaOH) FumedSilica 40.50 25.00 30.56 15.79 23.51

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 12, 11, 20, 27, and 23minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 30, 35, 40, 45, and 40 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 25

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 12.82 10.10 3.50 1.00 5.55 Surfactant (SDS) 66.10 70.71 81.65 75.98 60.69Alkaline builder 16.95 6.57 4.85 5.55 6.59 (NaOH) Sodium Polyacrylate14.12 12.63 10.00 17.47 27.17

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 17, 40, 18, 7, and 25minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 180, 240, 120, 130, and 200 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively.

Example 26

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 134.41 16.25 16.71 5.80 36.23 Surfactant (SDS) 42.51 72.20 71.60 43.4821.74 Alkaline builder 14.84 0.72 0.95 21.74 3.99 (NaOH) PotassiumNitrate 8.24 10.83 10.74 28.99 38.04

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 25, 15, 13, 10, and 12minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 35, 45, 50, 40, and 30 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

The purpose of this example is to show that oxidizing agents likepotassium nitrate can be included in the formula to modulate thereaction rate of dye oxidation. One skilled in the art can appreciatethat other oxidizing agents may be used without deviating from the scopeof the invention.

Example 27

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 17.41 11.76 7.50 9.26 9.23 Surfactant (SDS) 74.07 73.54 67.50 55.56 52.31Alkaline builder 11.11 5.88 12.50 16.67 15.38 (NaOH) Sodium Nitrite 7.418.82 12.50 18.53 23.08

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 15, 13, 13, 14, and 10minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 50, 45, 40, 40, and 40 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 28

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 13.51 7.95 6.00 7.24 12.37 Surfactant (SDS) 58.65 74.10 50.88 61.72 53.44Alkaline builder 10.81 5.13 15.63 12.64 17.09 (NaOH) Citric Acid 27.0312.82 27.50 18.39 17.09

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 2, 6, 4, 6, and 8minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 35, 30, 32, 37, and 42 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

The purpose of this example is to show that perfumes like citric acidcan be included in the formula to modulate the pH of the solution andthereby alter the reaction rate of color fading. One skilled in the artcan appreciate that other perfumes may be used without deviating fromthe scope of the invention.

Example 29

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 14.11 4.11 7.94 5.14 3.61 Surfactant (SDS) 13.70 13.70 26.19 38.99 51.02Sodium alginate 13.70 27.40 28.62 9.33 15.46 Sodium carbonate 41.1041.10 21.38 1.66 11.54 Sodium xylene 27.40 54.80 15.87 45.87 18.37sulfonate

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 15, 20, 27, 17, and 11minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 27, 35, 40, 60, and 45 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 30

A liquid composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 111.11 12.32 26.19 5 20.88 DOWFAX 2A1 69.91 82.27 57.14 87.5 63.17Alkaline builder 18.98 5.41 16.67 7.5 15.95 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 10, 12, 20, 8, and 18minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 120, 80, 240, 75, and 180 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 31

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A B C D E FD&C Blue 14.76 13.28 12.66 6.03 5.96 Surfactant (SDS) 57.82 73.80 65.50 62.3855.74 Alkaline builder 34.01 3.69 15.28 22.54 11.70 (NaOH) TitaniumDioxide 3.40 9.23 6.55 19.05 26.60

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 4, 12, 10, 8, and 7minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 30, 60, 50, 45, and 40 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

The purpose of this example is to show that photocatalysts like titaniumdioxide can be included in the formula to modulate the reaction rate ofdye oxidation. One skilled in the art can appreciate that otherphotocatalysts may be used without deviating from the scope of theinvention.

Example 32

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E MethyleneBlue 13.33 7.69 25 27.27 25.24 Surfactant (SDS) 73.17 76.92 68.18 63.6471.31 Alkaline builder 13.5 15.38 6.82 9.09 3.45 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 18, 15, 15, 13, and 4minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 200, 240, 120, 160, and 60 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 33

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E RD&C Red 219.08 20.15 22.87 30.18 35.15 Surfactant (SDS) 76.34 68.91 56.61 39.6128.87 Alkaline builder 4.58 10.94 20.52 30.21 35.98 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are red solutions.Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 1, 3, 5, 8, and 12 minutes whenapplied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E arestable in color for 2, 10, 20, 35, and 40 minutes when left in solution,respectively.

Example 34

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E IndigoCarmine 7.41 11.43 20.00 20.27 17.65 Surfactant (SDS) 74.07 57.14 50.0047.30 47.06 Alkaline builder 11.11 17.14 10.00 12.16 11.76 (NaOH) Copper(II) 7.41 14.29 20.00 20.27 23.53 sulfate pentahydrate

When these formulas are mixed into 7.5% hydrogen peroxide diluted inwater, the resulting mixtures are light blue solutions. Compositions A,B, C, D, and E fade in 3, 5, 12, 15, and 16 minutes when applied to asurface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E are stable incolor for 20, 25, 30, 35, and 38 minutes when left in solution,respectively.

Example 35

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E IndigoCarmine 7.25 6.90 16.95 9.09 20.00 Surfactant (SDS) 28.99 34.48 35.596.06 47.50 Alkaline builder 5.80 6.90 5.08 30.30 25.00 (NaOH) Iron (III)nitrate 57.97 51.72 42.37 54.55 7.50 nonahydrate

When these formulas are mixed into 7.5% hydrogen peroxide diluted inwater, the resulting mixtures are deep blue solutions. Compositions A,B, C, D, and E fade in 5, 3, 10, 6, and 12 minutes when applied to asurface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E are stable incolor for 25, 20, 28, 23, and 30 minutes when left in solution,respectively.

Example 36

A liquid composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D EThymolpthalein 2.86 3.74 1.42 7.33 6.86 Water 95.24 93.46 94.89 88.9991.43 Alkaline builder 1.90 2.80 3.69 3.68 1.71 (NaOH)

When these formulas are mixed into 0.2% chlorine dioxide diluted inwater, the resulting mixtures are deep violet solutions. Compositions A,B, C, D, and E fade in 5, 15, 7, 27, and 15 minutes when applied to asurface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E are stable incolor for at least 6 hours when left in solution.

Example 37

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 18.00 10.00 10.94 6.33 8.16 Surfactant (SDS) 40.00 38.00 42.19 44.3040.82 Alkaline builder 12.00 12.00 7.81 11.39 10.20 (NaOH) Surfactant(SXS) 40.00 40.00 39.06 37.97 40.82

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 10, 12, 12, 7, and 10minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 50, 60, 55, 50, and 50 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 38

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 17.41 5.80 13.43 6.49 1.33 Surfactant (SDS) 44.44 28.99 40.30 40.26 53.33Alkaline builder 11.11 7.25 8.96 11.69 8.00 (KOH) Surfactant (STS) 37.0457.97 37.31 41.56 37.33

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 10, 5, 17, 7, and 2minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 50, 40, 70, 45, and 35 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 39

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 18.00 1.61 14.06 20.69 25.32 Surfactant (SDS) 40.00 40.32 62.50 39.665.06 Alkaline builder 12.00 9.68 7.81 13.79 18.99 (NaOH) DOWFAX 2A140.00 48.39 15.63 25.86 50.63

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 8, 2, 15, 18, and 10minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 75, 40, 120, 200, and 90 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 40

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 115.38 7.35 12.07 22.95 3.08 Surfactant (SDS) 51.28 66.18 60.34 50.8261.54 Alkaline builder 17.95 8.82 15.52 21.31 23.08 (NaOH) Acid Green 2515.38 17.65 12.07 4.92 12.31

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 10, 15, 12, 13, and 11minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 80, 95, 90, 90, and 90 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 41

A powdered composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 16.45 6.06 13.85 6.94 8.00 Surfactant (SDS) 64.52 68.18 53.85 43.06 40.00Alkaline builder 9.68 15.15 7.69 15.28 15.00 (NaOH) Citric Acid 6.456.06 15.38 20.83 17.00 Surfynol 104S 12.90 4.55 9.23 13.89 20.00

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are deep bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 7, 7, 15, 8, and 19minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 50, 50, 70, 45, and 60 minutes whenleft in solution, respectively.

Example 42

A liquid composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 10.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.50 Surfactant (SXS) 0.50 0.35 0.50 0.25 0.00Surfactant (SDS) 0.00 0.30 0.25 0.50 0.75 Water 98.75 98.35 98.00 97.7597.75

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 30, 35, 40, 35, and 35minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 210, 220, 240, 220, and 220 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively. When compositions A, B, C, D and Eare applied directly onto a wipe impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodiumhypochlorite, upon wiping a surface, a blue trace is left behind thatfades away in 2, 3, 2, 3, and 3 minutes.

Example 43

A liquid composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 10.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.50 Alkaline builder 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.00(NaOH) Surfactant (SDS) 0.00 0.25 0.35 0.50 0.75 Water 98.75 98.00 97.4097.00 96.75

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 40, 45, 50, 55, and 65minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 240, 260, 280, 300, and 310 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively. When compositions A, B, C, D and Eare applied directly onto a wipe impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodiumhypochlorite, upon wiping a surface, a blue trace is left behind thatfades away in 3, 3, 3, 4, and 4 minutes.

Example 44

A liquid composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 10.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.50 Alkaline builder 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.00 1.00(LiOH) Surfactant (SDS) 0.00 0.25 0.35 0.50 0.75 Water 98.75 98.00 97.4097.00 96.75

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 35, 45, 45, 50, and 65minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 200, 220, 240, 260, and 270 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively. When compositions A, B, C, D and Eare applied directly onto a wipe imbued with 0.525% sodium hypochlorite,upon wiping a surface, a blue trace is left behind that fades away in 3,3, 3, 4, and 4 minutes.

Example 45

A liquid composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E Acid Green50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.50 Surfactant (SXS) 0.50 0.35 0.50 0.25 0.00Surfactant (SDS) 0.00 0.30 0.25 0.50 0.75 Water 98.75 98.35 98.00 97.7597.75

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 35, 35, 40, 45, and 35minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 210, 210, 250, 260, and 220 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively. When compositions A, B, C, D and Eare applied directly onto a wipe impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodiumhypochlorite, upon wiping a surface, a blue trace is left behind thatfades away in 1, 2, 1, 2, and 3 minutes.

Example 46

A liquid composition consisting of:

% Wt./Wt. Comp. Comp. Ingredient A Comp. B Comp. C Comp. D E FD&C Blue 10.50 0.75 1.25 1.50 2.50 Surfactant (SXS) 0.25 0.35 0.50 0.75 1.00Lambda 0.00 0.30 0.25 0.35 0.50 Carrageenan Water 99.25 98.60 98.0097.40 96.00

When these formulas are mixed into 0.525% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite diluted in water, the resulting mixtures are bluesolutions. Compositions A, B, C, D, and E fade in 25, 30, 40, 45, and 45minutes when applied to a surface, respectively. Compositions A, B, C,D, and E are stable in color for 180, 200, 230, 240, and 220 minuteswhen left in solution, respectively. When compositions A, B, C, D and Eare applied directly onto a wipe impregnated with 0.55% or 0.65% sodiumhypochlorite, upon wiping a surface, a blue trace is left behind thatfades away in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patentapplications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, webcontents, have been made in this disclosure. All such documents arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for allpurposes.

EQUIVALENTS

The representative examples are intended to help illustrate theinvention, and are not intended to, nor should they be construed to,limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, various modifications of theinvention and many further embodiments thereof, in addition to thoseshown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the full contents of this document, including the examples andthe references to the scientific and patent literature included herein.The examples contain important additional information, exemplificationand guidance that can be adapted to the practice of this invention inits various embodiments and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A colored aqueous solution of 0.1-2% sodiumhypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite comprising at least one oxidizablewater-soluble pigment, a surfactant selected from the group consistingof sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), sodiumlaureth sulfate (SLES), sodium myreth sulfate (SMS), sodium cholate, anacetylenic diol, alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate, and sodium toluenesulfonate (STS), and mixtures thereof, an alkaline builder selected fromthe group consisting of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide(Ca(OH)₂), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and lithium hydroxide (LiOH), andmixtures thereof, and an optional rheology modifier selected from thegroup consisting of sodium alginate, glycerol, guar gum, dextran,cellulose, carrageenan (lambda, iota, kappa), sodium carbonate, fumedsilica, alkali swellable emulsions, hydrophobically modified alkaliswellable emulsions, hydrophobically-modified polyurethanes, and sodiumpolyacrylate, and mixtures thereof, wherein the color is stable in thecolored aqueous solution of 0.1-2% sodium hypochlorite or calciumhypochlorite for from 10 to 20 minutes and fades to clear when thesolution is applied as a spray or film to a surface.
 2. The coloredaqueous solution of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution is 0.2-0.5%sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite.
 3. The colored aqueoussolution of claim 1, wherein the at least one oxidizable water-solublepigment is FD&C Blue
 1. 4. The colored aqueous solution of claim 3,wherein the total amount of oxidizable water-soluble pigment is from0.5-2% w/v.
 5. The colored aqueous solution of claim 1, wherein the atleast one surfactant is selected from SDS, SXS, and mixtures thereof. 6.The colored aqueous solution of claim 5, wherein the total amount ofsurfactant is from 0.5-1.5% w/v.
 7. The colored aqueous solution ofclaim 1, wherein the alkaline builder is selected from NaOH and KOH. 8.The colored aqueous solution of claim 7, wherein the total amount ofalkaline builder is from 0.5-2% w/v.
 9. The colored aqueous solution ofclaim 1, wherein the composition contains at least one rheology modifierselected from sodium alginate and lambda carrageenan, and mixturesthereof.
 10. The colored aqueous solution of claim 9, wherein the totalamount of rheology modifier is from 0.1-1% w/v.
 11. The colored aqueoussolution of claim 1, wherein the at least one oxidizable water-solublepigment is selected from the group consisting of FD&C Blue, Acid Green,Patent Blue, FD&C Yellow, Fast Green FCF, Indigo Carmine, Acid Blue,Remazol Brilliant Blue, Coomassie Brilliant Blue, Methylene Blue, RD&CRed, and mixtures thereof.
 12. The colored aqueous solution of claim 1,wherein the at least one oxidizable water-soluble pigment is selectedfrom the group consisting of FD&C Blue, Acid Green, Patent Blue, FD&CYellow, Fast Green FCF, Acid Blue, Remazol Brilliant Blue, MethyleneBlue, RD&C Red, and mixtures thereof.
 13. The colored aqueous solutionof claim 12, wherein the at least one oxidizable water-soluble pigmentis Acid Green or FD&C Blue.
 14. The colored aqueous solution of claim12, wherein the Acid Green is selected from Acid Green 25 and Acid Green50.
 15. The colored aqueous solution of claim 1, wherein the color fadesto clear within a predetermined period of time of from 2 to 5 minuteswhen the solution is applied as a spray or film to a surface.
 16. Thecolored aqueous solution of claim 1, wherein the color fades to clearwithin a predetermined period of time of from 1 to 20 minutes when thesolution is applied as a spray or film to a surface.
 17. The coloredaqueous solution of claim 1, wherein the colored solution is impregnatedonto a solid material.
 18. The colored aqueous solution of claim 17,wherein the solid material is a fabric or mesh.
 19. The colored aqueoussolution of claim 17, wherein the solid material is a pre-packaged wipe.20. The colored aqueous solution of claim 1, wherein the solution ispart of a dispenser for wipes.